This work investigates the evolution of the British publishing industry from the introduction of the printing press to the modern digital era. John Feather, a distinguished scholar in library and information science, utilizes extensive archival research and historical analysis to trace the commercial, legal, and cultural shifts that defined the book trade. He argues that the industry's development is inextricably linked to the broader socio-political changes within British society, particularly regarding copyright law and literacy rates.

Experts frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for understanding the structural history of the British book trade. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous and detailed account suitable for students and historians alike.